A Chat with Jack Child (16.06.25)
Jack Child is an undeniable force on the rise. With his latest single ‘On The Road’, the eclectic singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer took the time to speak to us about this new era of his music and more below.
OSR: ‘On The Road’ was written when you were just 13. What do you remember most about that moment on the stairs with your guitar?
Child: I remember very little from that night. I was focusing all my attention on writing that song to purposely distract myself, I think. I do remember parts, but I’m not sure how comfortable I would be going into detail about them. I don’t want to disrespect any of my family by going into specifics, but there were substances and violence involved. I think the song itself paints a very detailed picture without disrespecting anyone.
OSR: How did the process of turning a deeply personal memory into a full-fledged track evolve over the years?
Child: Over time, I did take parts of the song out and adapt the production over the last seven years. When a song gets written, I write that song for me and for my escape from whatever situation I’m in. When I sing exactly what I’m feeling, it’s like a relief. Like when you just need a good cry, and afterwards you feel way better. But after some time, when I no longer need that song to help me through those moments, that’s when I’m able to think about releasing the song, and all the important stuff like marketing strategies or music videos. I still feel those emotions when I listen to my music. But it’s more like a memory in a bottle now.
OSR: You recorded and produced everything in your bedroom, even using forks and spoons for percussion. Can you walk us through that DIY setup and mindset?
Child: The industry today is all so DIY. Studios are just too expensive, and everything is so accessible from a single laptop. I find the process of building a song’s production up just from lyrics and guitar to be challenging, but so fun. I build my songs in layers. I’ll add one sound, and that idea will trigger a new one, then I’ll just keep layering until I can’t add anymore. I think I just understand what songs need to make them rise, fall and take the listener on a journey. And yes, sometimes that requires kitchen cutlery, or maybe I just add them for my own fun.
OSR: The track draws inspiration from The Weeknd’s early work. What specifically about those mixtapes resonated with you?
Child: The Weeknd’s early mixtapes are honestly just incredible. ‘House Of Balloons’ is the first of three mixtapes to drop and my personal favourite. His writing and storytelling just gravitates me, the sound is so dark yet his voice is so bright. They complement each other completely, yet are opposites. I had never heard anything like it at the time; the sound was so new. I like to write from dark and vulnerable places and about topics that maybe shouldn’t be sung about on the radio, I think that’s inspired by those mixtapes. I was probably too young to listen to those projects at twelve years old, but that’s such a vital age of learning by yourself and finding your taste. I found his music at the right time, and it’s inspired everything I’ve done ever since.
OSR: There’s a rawness in ‘On The Road’ that feels almost confessional. Was it ever scary to release something so personal to the world?
Child: It’s always scary releasing anything to the world. When a song means so much to me, I do tend to hold it back. But I think, where this was written so long ago, it just felt like the right time to put this one out. I’ve had such amazing reactions to this track, and it really seems to be a fan favourite, so it’s really filling me with confidence that I’ve done something right.
OSR: Your live performances are known for their emotional connection. How does this song shift or elevate your set when you play it live?
Child: So far, people have really enjoyed it live, but it’s definitely a different vibe to the usual tracks I would play. It’s taken some time for me to get used to playing this one for sure, but I’m really enjoying the challenge and adding more variety to my sets. Over time, I know this track will only keep getting better and better on stage with more confidence and new ideas constantly being added.
OSR: You’ve described this release as part of a “new era.” What does that era look like to you: musically, visually, and emotionally?
Child: The music is better, stronger and more professional than it’s ever been. With quality visuals and compelling stories. The reason I’ve called this a ‘new era’ for my music is that this next chapter is so different from all my previous work. All the singles from this year onwards have a visual story that ties them all together through their music videos. Along with better promotion strategies and consistent content being posted on social media. This ‘new era’ is essentially me applying all I’ve learnt so far in the industry to my music. A fresh start as an artist.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
OSR: The video is part of a larger visual narrative. Can you give us any hints about the story you’re building and what fans should watch for?
Child: This visual story that I’m building is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but haven’t had the budget or the knowledge for. I don’t want to spoil too much, but essentially, I play the role of a psycho who kidnaps a stripper and tries to convince her to fall for him. ‘On The Road’ is the first chapter of that story, which has me running away from a violent household. Little does he know that trauma has made him insane, and who knows who he’ll hurt in the process.
OSR: From busking in Portsmouth to stages across Europe, what moment made you realise music could really be your life?
Child: I knew from the moment I started writing songs that I wanted this career. My mum was so supportive and made me believe that anything I wanted, I could make happen. I know a lot of people who would think I’m insane for taking such a risk in my career. They tell me “be realistic” or “what’s your backup plan?” But I think life’s too short to not take risks. I have no idea if this will work, to be honest with you, none at all. But I would rather fail and have tried than for me to look back in thirty years’ time and say “what if?” That’s one of my biggest fears. At least this way I can say I’ve given my dreams my best shot, and what a time I had doing it! And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be able to make a good living from it someday. Only one way to find out, ay!
OSR: What do you hope people feel or understand about themselves after hearing ‘On The Road’?
Child: All I want is for someone to listen to that song and feel a small sense of relief, the way I felt writing it. I’ve had people come and tell me how it’s helped them and how much they relate. It’s honestly the best feeling. I love being able to make something that helps someone else feel. That’s a gift, and it’s exactly why I will continue to create more.
Many thanks to Jack Child for speaking with us! Find out more about Jack Child on his Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Spotify.
